DJI Welcomes UK Drone Registration Plan
New Proposal Balances Safety And Security With Benefits Of Drone Technology
July 22, 2017 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, welcomes the United Kingdom Department for Transport’s new plans announced Saturday for drone registration and other systems to ensure drones are safely and responsibly integrated into British airspace.
“Drone technology offers enormous benefits to the UK, and the Department for Transport’s proposal appears to strike a sensible balance between protecting public safety and bringing those benefits to the UK’s businesses and the public at large,” said Brendan Schulman, DJI Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “DJI has invested heavily in adding safety features, and we expect the government to work closely with industry leaders to ensure progress and promote technological innovation. We are encouraged by the fair and thoughtful approach the government has taken to date. The key will be maintaining this balance in the next round of deliberation.”
DJI supports simple schemes for pilots to easily register drones with governments, as well as educational initiatives to ensure pilots understand how to fly drones safely. DJI strongly condemns unsafe and illegal drone operations, and believes educating drone pilots is the best way to ensure drones maintain their admirable safety record. Drones are making dangerous jobs safer and have helped save at least 59 lives around the world, making it important for governments to ensure the safety benefits of drones are available to all.
DJI has led the industry in developing technology to help ensure drones operate safely, including mandatory altitude limits, automatic return-to-home systems when drones lose contact with their controllers, and our geofencing system that uses GPS navigation to help pilots steer clear of airports, prisons, power plants, and other sensitive locations. Plans on deterrents and no fly zones should be developed so that they are proportional to the risks and do not impose unnecessary restrictions. The best answer to collision hazards is to take steps to avoid the collision in the first place, and DJI is proud to be a leader in technology initiatives to accomplish that objective.
Across the world, DJI and other companies in the drone industry are rapidly innovating more solutions to safety and security concerns. DJI recently outlined a framework to electronically identify drones in flight, and announced it will add ADS-B receivers to its new M200 line of professional drones to warn drone pilots of traditional aircraft approaching nearby.
DJI has helped support scientific research into the risk posed by drones, such as this study, to ensure regulations are based on the best available evidence to achieve their safety goals. As the UK continues its risk-based evaluations of drones, DJI stands ready to provide materials for testing, technical expertise or other necessary assistance.
For additional information, please contact: Adam Lisberg, DJI Corporate Communication Director – adam.lisberg@dji.com
